The Global Legacy of Cutty Ranks: From Dancehall to Jungle and Hip-Hop

By Staff Editor, Jamaicans.com | Photo credit: Jamaicans.com 

On February 12, 1965, Philip Thomas, better known as Cutty Ranks was born in Kingston, Jamaica. A true pioneer of hardcore dancehall, Cutty Ranks’ deep baritone, rapid-fire delivery, and uncompromising lyrics set him apart in the genre, influencing generations of DJs, toasters, and reggae artists worldwide.

Early Life and Entry into Music

Cutty Ranks’ journey into music began at the age of 11 when he started working with local sound systems, immersing himself in the pulsating rhythms of Jamaican dancehall. He performed with some of the island’s most iconic sound systems, including Gemini, Rebel Tone (alongside Tony Rebel), and Papa Roots. Later, he joined Stereo Mars, Arrows, and Metro Media, eventually making his mark with Kilimanjaro, where he performed alongside legendary names like Early B, Super Cat, Puddy Roots, and Little Twitch. His time with these crews honed his skills, shaping the aggressive and commanding style that would define his career.

Breaking Through the Industry

By the mid-1980s, Cutty Ranks had begun to carve out a name for himself, debuting with Gunman Lyrics in 1986 on Winston Riley’s Techniques label. He followed up with Out of Hand and Fishman Lyrics under Riley’s production, reinforcing his reputation as a fearless lyricist. He later moved to Arrows before linking up with Penthouse Records in 1990, where he recorded alongside reggae greats such as Marcia Griffiths, Dennis Brown, Wayne Wonder, and Beres Hammond.

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His big break came in 1991 when London’s Fashion Records recognized his talent and released his debut album, The Stopper. That same year, he recorded hits like The Bomber, A Who Seh Me Dun, and Limb by Limb, all of which became anthems in the dancehall world. These tracks showcased his signature raw energy, earning him a place among dancehall’s most influential figures.

One of the Most Sampled Artists in Reggae

Cutty Ranks’ influence extends far beyond dancehall, as he remains one of the most sampled reggae artists in history. His music has been sampled over 300 times, crossing over into hip-hop, jungle, and reggaeton. His track A Who Seh Me Dun alone has over 90 samples, making it the 8th most sampled reggae song according to WhoSampled.com. Limb by Limb was heavily sampled in the UK jungle scene, helping to shape the genre’s foundation.

His impact is evident in tracks by hip-hop heavyweights like Drake, The Fugees, and Funkmaster Flex, proving that his influence transcends dancehall, reaching global audiences across multiple genres.

The Legal Battle Over Dame Tu Cosita

In 2016, Cutty Ranks was featured on Dame Tu Cosita, a track originally recorded by El Chombo in 1997. The song saw renewed popularity when it became a viral dance challenge, amassing millions of views and streams. However, despite his contribution, Cutty Ranks found himself in a legal dispute over unpaid royalties. The controversy stemmed from his vocals being used without proper credit or compensation, leading him to pursue legal action against El Chombo and Juston Records to claim his rightful earnings.

This case is part of a broader issue within the music industry, where dancehall artists like Cutty Ranks have frequently accused reggaeton artists of re-recording Jamaican songs in Spanish and claiming them as their own. Many foundational dancehall tracks, including Dame Tu Cosita, have been repurposed without proper acknowledgment, forcing artists like Cutty Ranks to fight for their rights.

In an interview, he stated that the rampant copying in reggaeton pushed him to learn Spanish to better navigate the industry and protect his work. His battle over Dame Tu Cosita highlights the ongoing struggle of Reggae acts, artists and producers alike, to be properly recognized and compensated for their work.

Staying Relevant: Tours and Recent Performances

Even after decades in the industry, Cutty Ranks continues to perform worldwide, keeping dancehall’s golden era alive for new generations. His recent appearances include Marcia Griffiths and Friends (2024), a standout performance at the BET Awards alongside Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star (2023), and a session on BBC Radio 1Xtra at the legendary Harry J Studio (2023). These performances reaffirm his status as a dancehall icon whose energy remains unmatched.

Legacy and Influence

Cutty Ranks’ legacy is cemented in dancehall history. His fearless lyricism, pioneering delivery, and cross-genre influence make him one of the most important figures in reggae and dancehall. As one of the most sampled reggae artists of all time, his impact continues to shape modern music, proving that his voice and message remain as powerful as ever. Whether through past anthems or ongoing performances, Cutty Ranks remains a dominant force in global music, reminding fans why he’s a true legend in the dancehall space.

  Cutty Ranks